Gary Ferris Dove of Rockville, RI, also known by his tribal name Deer Foot, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2024. He was surrounded by his children and family in Coventry, RI, as they sang his favorite song, “Neon Moon.” Born on November 13, 1963, in Westerly, RI, Gary lived a life filled with love, determination, and a strong connection to his family and community.
Gary proudly served in both the Navy and Army Reserves. He worked as a Maintenance Manager at Foxwoods Resort Casino for many years before later establishing and owning G.F. Dove Home Improvements, where he worked alongside numerous family members, teaching them the trade and instilling in them the values of hard work and craftsmanship.
A proud member of the Narragansett Indian Tribe, Gary took great joy in attending the Annual Tribal PowWows alongside his family and friends. He lovingly passed on Narragansett traditions, making regalia for his children and taking part in the Hunters and Gatherers Dance. His commitment to honoring his heritage and sharing it with the next generation was a cornerstone of his life.
Gary’s greatest pride, however, was his children. He proudly and loudly cheered them on during their sports games, military achievements and academic honors. He found immense happiness in the simple pleasures: days at the beach, quahoging, weeks camping at the Charlestown Breachway, cooking meals for his family, karaoke nights, and Sunday football. Gary cherished each day and found great joy spending time with his family, no matter the occasion. His love for them was unwavering, and his presence brought warmth and laughter to every gathering. He will be deeply missed.
Gary is survived by his children: Shawn Salimeno, Gary Dove, Jessica Dove, Timothy Palmer, Sabrina Palmer Dove & Cory Andrade, McKayla Dove, Hannah Sior, Jonathan Sior, Jacoby Dove, Devin Fernberg, Arielle (Rob) Johnson, Myles (Elizabeth) Fernberg, Sara (Andrew) Day.
He is also survived by his grandchildren: Christina Fernberg, Joseph Goodhart, Michelle Fernberg, Kevin Fitzgerald, Matthew Andrade, Judah Day, Braelynn Andrade and Ezra Day. He is predeceased by his grandson, Theodore Palmer.
Gary is also survived by his loving mother, Brigitta Dove, and his siblings: Alex Schuberth, David Dove, Elisabeth Manning, and Daniel Dove. He was predeceased by his father, Mark Dove.
Services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Hope Valley on October 26th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A celebration of Gary’s life will directly follow at his home, 255 New London Turnpike, Wyoming, RI. Please wear your favorite shade of Green.
As we remember Gary, we find comfort in these words:
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there; I did not die.